Category Archives: Retro Advertisements

Retro Ad From October 1985, Turntec Technology

It’s been several weeks since I’ve had time to post one of the retro ads, so my apologies to those of you who were disappointed in the lack of updates!

Without further ado, here is an ad for Turntec from 1985:

Turntec Circa October 1985
Turntec Circa October 1985

Jerry Turner had some pretty cool ideas for his time. Unfortunately, as I’ve been told, the company was not run efficiently and went belly up. Leave a comment!

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Retro Ad From October 1985, The Nike Sock Racer

“Still crazy after all these years.”

“The Nike Sock Racer. A serious racing flat with a full-length Nike-Air midsole. Definitely not for everyone.”

Without further ado, here is the ad:

Nike Sock Racer Circa October 1985
Nike Sock Racer Circa October 1985

More proof that “minimalism” is not a new idea! Today’s minimal shoes are basically the same thing as “racing flats” from decades ago. Anyway, leave a comment after the gap!

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Retro Ad From October 1988, The Brooks Argent, Chariot CC, and SuperNova

“Meeting The Earth On More Comfortable Terms.”

Another Brooks ad, but it includes three shoes. Interesting to see a couple of different models from the same era together in one ad.

Brooks Circa October 1988
Brooks Circa October 1988

“Argent, superior cushioning and patented support.”

“Chariot CC, premier stability with enhanced comfort features.”

“SuperNova, versatile performance with multi-surface outsole.”

Leave a comment after the gap!

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Retro Ad From March 1989, The Turntec Road Warrior

“Stop taking abuse.”

An ad featuring the Road Warrior by Etonic. The new ZO2 sockliner and the anatomical heel cradle worked together to improve cushioning and stability.

Turntec Road Warrior Circa March 1989
Turntec Road Warrior Circa March 1989

Turntec wanted this shoe to protect runners from the abuse that they might feel while out running. Turntec didn’t pan out as a company, but I think that it was due to poor management rather than a sub-standard product. Leave a comment!

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Retro Ad From May 1986, The Nike V-Series

“No Ph.D. Required.”

The Nike V-series was a lineup of shoes for women including the Venue, Vengeance, and the Vortex.

The Venue was the most stable of the three, followed by the Vortex. The Vengeance was a lightweight cushioned shoe.

Nike V-Series Circa May 1986
Nike V-Series Circa May 1986

The Vortex was apparently the best of both worlds according to the ad print, and usually stability shoes work for a majority of runners so that makes sense.

Thanks for looking, and leave a comment!

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Retro Ad From September 1984, The New Balance 850

“Some guys eat sneakers”

An ad touting the durability of the New Balance 850.

New Balance 850 Circa September 1984
New Balance 850 Circa September 1984

The 850 used carbon rubber, cordura for the upper, a high density footbed, and a strong heel counter to resist breakdown from runners who were hard on their shoes. Apparently runners in this era had a fair amount of trouble finding a shoe that would last; most buyers today are not overly concerned about durability since modern shoes rarely have that problem. Leave a comment!

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